Yellow Toenails: Possible Causes

Yellow discoloration can have several explanations. Color alone is not enough to diagnose nail fungus.

Possible explanations

Staining, repeated trauma, aging and fungal nail infection are among the possibilities. Other nail and skin conditions can sometimes look similar.

Signs worth evaluating

Thickening, crumbling, lifting from the nail bed, spreading changes, pain or surrounding skin symptoms make proper evaluation more important.

Don't diagnose from color alone

A clinician may examine the nail and, when appropriate, test nail material because treatment depends on the cause.

Continue to nail fungus vs other nail problems or thick toenails.